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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Legislative Updates
This will be the final newsletter from my legislative office prior to the May primary election. Per Senate rules, legislative newsletters are suspended during the 60-day blackout period preceding an election. My office remains fully open, however, and my staff and I are always available to assist you. Please don't hesitate to reach out by phone or email with any questions or concerns, and be sure to check my legislative calendar for upcoming events. I look forward to connecting with you throughout the district in the months ahead.
Listen. Learn. Act.
Jobs For the Future - Fair Chance to Advance Program
Oregon was recently selected as one of four states to participate in the Jobs for the Future(JFF) Fair Chance to Advance (FC2A) program. The Fair Chance to Advance initiative will build the infrastructure and provide technical assistance and resources to transform states’ education, workforce, and employment systems. This initiative will bring together leaders from across the fair chance ecosystem for coordinated action, including people who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system, state leaders and policymakers, departments of corrections, postsecondary institutions, employers, workforce development agencies and boards, to redesign career pathways, remove systemic barriers, and normalize fair chance employment.
I was honored to be asked to join the Steering Committee and to attend this convening for this important work in Atlanta, Georgia this week. We traveled this week with fellow members from the HECC and the Department of Corrections to meet up with the other three participating states. It was a valuable opportunity to learn alongside North Carolina, Kansas, and Maine about removing barriers for people who are incarcerated or holding a criminal record, and expanding access to education, workforce development, and opportunity. This work has the power to change lives, and I'm honored to be part of it. This is economic development.
Honoring Women's History Month - Avel Gordly
During Women's History Month, we honor and recognize the legacy of Avel Gordly, who recently passed away. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Gordly was notably the first Black woman elected to the Oregon Legislature, first serving the House of Representatives in 1991. Later, she served in the Oregon Senate. Throughout her career, she was a steadfast advocate for education and mental health awareness, serving as a voice for Oregon’s underserved communities. Her commitment to public service leaves an enduring legacy that will inspire future generations.
~Athena L.
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Out and About for Senate District 15
Visit to Georgia Legislature
While in Georgia, I was able to connect with my Georgia legislative colleagues in their state capitol in Atlanta. What an amazing experience. We have previously met through convenings with the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, Women In Government, and CSG Henry Toll Fellowship leadership program. I was formally recognized on the Senate Floor, watched a magical, bipartisan Senate Floor debate, visited both chambers, toured the Capitol and visited with a dear friend, Senator Nan Orrock and her team. It was a beautiful day indeed. Leadership does not stop at our state borders. Perspectives, experience, and opportunity give us a chance to learn from others and build bridges, as we continue to serve our communities.
Upcoming Events
Veterans Town Hall - Saturday, April 18th at 11:00pm - 12:00pm
Joint Town Hall - Monday, April 27th at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Community Outreach
Governor's Prosperity Council - SURVEY DUE 3/20
The Prosperity Council is an outside advisory group convened by Governor Kotek to help shape strategies for Oregon’s economic prosperity and growth. The council includes representatives from different regions of the state, key industries, and labor, and is focused on three main areas: business climate, workforce, and tools for growth. Its role is to develop practical recommendations for the near, medium, and long term in each of these areas.
Eid al-Fitr
Shared from Tualatin Hills Parks and Rec
Eid al-Fitr is a joyous celebration observed by Muslims around the world, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The festivities typically last for three days, beginning with a special morning prayer. Families and friends come together to share meals, exchange gifts known as Eidi, and extend warm greetings with the customary phrase, "Eid Mubarak." To all who celebrate, we honor this special occasion and the values of gratitude, generosity, and community it represents.
Eid Prayer - Friday, March 20th
JCC's "Share Learn Connect" Education Series Event - Tuesday, March 31st
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, dedicated to strengthening families and communities to prevent abuse before it occurs.
To honor and raise awareness about this important issue, Just Create Community’s “Share Learn Connect” education program on Tues March 31st will feature SPECIAL GUEST Hery “Eddie” Acosta, survivor of childhood trauma and author of “Eddie in the Rough: Becoming a Diamond”, as well as an introduction by Rachel Schutz, Executive Director, of the Family Peace Center, a first-in-the-nation co-located hub uniting 20+ agencies under one roof to provide wraparound services for survivors and their families.
- Tuesday March 31st
- 5:30pm-7pm
- Family Peace Center of Washington County, 1100 NE Compton Dr., Hillsboro
- FREE but RSVP required to ccosenzo@justcreatecommunity.com
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Immigration Resources
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Senate District 15 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon's past and we must honor them well into our future.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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